The eighteenth-century was a period of great enthusiasm for experimentation and implementation. In government, in economics, in all the sciences as they came to be established, in publication, in all the arts, in short, all were keen on implementing what were largely theoretical (and quite often utopian) notions. When we return to Saint Simons Island, Georgia, in February our theme will be Dreaming and Becoming, and (among other things, of course) we will consider the slippage, sometimes fortunate and other times not, between what was thought to be coming and what came to be. As broad as this subject is, we welcome panels and papers on this and all subjects relevant to our period and especially to its people who dreamed and schemed, and intentionally or not, for good or ill, made us what we are. Our conference hotel is The King & Prince Resort Hotel (est. 1935). This beautiful beachfront hotel (the only such on the island) is on the historic register and has recently undergone a complete renovation. They're giving us and registrants a good deal and they're exactly the right size for us. There are no high-rises here; what's more, there will be no competition for the hotel's attention during our stay. Saint Simons Island lies 60 miles north of Jacksonville and 65 miles south of Savannah. Brunswick, Georgia, which lies just over the bridge to the island, has commercial air service. The hotel itself lies by way of an easy and beautiful beach promenade (or bike ride) to the village, lighthouse, several restaurants, as well as to the wharf. One may either walk this route (according to the tide) or instead follow under Ocean Boulevard's mossy oaks. For those who like to golf, the hotel provides shuttle service to a fine course on the island; formally The Hampton Club, it is now owned by the hotel and lies about 10 miles away. There are, of course, many courses to choose from up and down the coast. For those of a more adventurous nature, famous Cumberland Island lies nearby as does as historical Jekyll Island. Our policy over the years has been to turn away no worthy paper. If you don't find a panel for a paper you're working on, please contact me and I will do my best to accommodate you. Similarly, if a panel isn't stacking up, I will combine or otherwise work to see that everyone's needs are met. I will also mention that we've always encouraged panel chairs to participate as readers in the panels they call, and while this matter is left entirely to the chairs themselves, our object is to have an engaging and stimulating meeting. Variety lends itself to those virtues. I look forward to a productive yet convivial interlude on the coast.